Relieved punters make long-awaited return to sunny but spaced-out Warwick Races

PUNTERS made their long-awaited return to a sunny but socially-distanced Warwick on Monday afternoon.

The pilot event for the return of crowds, welcomed 500 paid up members to the track for an eight-race jumps card.

Two racegoers comply with the strict COVID regulations on their way into Warwick

And why the action on the track was far from top-drawer, most were just relieved to be back racing for the first time since the UK went into lockdown.

After Doncaster’s pilot event at the St Leger Festival was scrapped just hours into the first afternoon, Warwick feared their day in the sun may also suffer.

But racecourse manager Andre Klein explained the detailed process which ensured they got the go ahead.

He said: “It has been a huge challenge, a massive undertaking. We went into it quite naive not knowing exactly what was going to be required.

“After 20 odd years of managing racecourses around the world, this is unique and is probably the most fascinating one I’ve ever tried to stage and it’s only for 500 people.

“We’ve had to tell some they couldn’t come in the last 24 hours as they are domicile to an area that is under a local lockdown.”

The racecourse is split into various zones which ensures social distancing is easy to take part in.

A rare sight – punters queuing to get into the races and shorts in September!

Squeaky clean – a Warwick member washes his hands on entry

Track and trace – a record of all racegoers is kept and every punter is on a database

Punters had a great view of the action on the track

And there was easy access to the outside of the parade ring for a gander of the runners before each race

Punters could still place a bet with on course bookies and if they pre-booked could eat in the restaurant

On the track the jockeys welcomed a bit of atmosphere after months of empty courses

Northern trainer Ruth Jefferson enjoyed a welcome winner as Tayzar won under claimer Theo Gillard